WeeFestival of Theatre and Culture for Early Years
Produced by Theatre Direct
The WeeFestival is Toronto’s first international arts festival dedicated to early childhood and features productions by acclaimed companies specializing in theatre for the very young from South Africa, Pays Basque (France), Italy, Germany, Quebec, British Columbia, and Ontario. Whether for babies and toddlers, preschoolers, or kindergarteners, each show has been created with the emotional and social developmental needs and interests of young children and are presented in intimate venues throughout Toronto to ensure every child is close to the action and fully immersed in the experience.
Playing at The Theatre Centre:
Biinoojiinyag Gitgaanmiwaa (The Children’s Garden)
May 15–21, 2018
Curated by Leslie McCue
Biinoojiinyag Gitgaanmiwaa translates to Children’s Garden and is a transformative space for young children and families curated by Leslie McCue. Conceived as a relaxed performative space to explore, engage and to experience Indigenous culture through various interactive experiences, you’re welcome to visit the garden for a brief moment, a full performance, an activity or for the full week!
CutOuts
May 15–17, 2018
Teatro dei Piccoli Principi, Italy
Presented by The Theatre Centre with The Istituto Italiano di Cultura
A wondrous and mesmerizing experience where visual arts meets storytelling. Inspired by the paper cut outs of Matisse, Picasso, and Hans Christian Andersen, an artist weaves the story of the Steadfast Tin Soldier and other fantastical tales using paper images, projections, and music.
KNOCK!
May 19–20, 2018
Magnet Theatre, South Africa
KNOCK! is a South African theatre performance especially created for little ones. 4 performers enter the space and explore the natural material of wood, its sounds, what it can do and what it can make. Stimulating for the imagination, the cast create strange and magical animals and images with wonderfully shaped pieces of forest wood. With songs, especially created for the production, they include the children in singing and creating sounds with their own bodies.
WEE FESTIVAL WORKSHOP with FIDOODLE: Crafting Magical Creature Self Portraits
Sunday, May 20, 2018 | 12:15–1:30PM
FREE
RSVP by email.
Location: Upper Gallery, The Theatre Centre
Inspired by Magnet Theatre’s performance, Knock!, Fidoodle’s Jen Bulthuis and photographer, Melanie Gordon help kids explore mask and creature costume making from natural materials like wood, feather, and shells. Each child then chooses one of many backgrounds for a special portrait of themselves as the creature that they have built.
Limited space available on a first-come, first-served basis. RSVP by email.
Other Performances and activities are taking place at:
Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley Street
Factory Studio Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street
Théâtre français de Toronto, 21 College Street
Small World Music, 180 Shaw Street
Wychwood Theatre, 601 Christie Street
Visit weefestival.ca for all show times and activities.
May 11, 2018
to May 21, 2018
Tickets are $15-$20
The Theatre Centre
Biinoojiinyag Gitgaanmiwaa (The Children’s Garden)
May 15–21, 2018
CutOuts
May 15–17, 2018
KNOCK!
May 19–20, 2018
WEE FESTIVAL WORKSHOP with FIDOODLE: Crafting Magical Creature Self Portraits
Sunday, May 20, 2018 – 12:15–1:30pm
March 23, 2026
“The difference between Versus and my other shows is that this one is a celebration of community while the other ones were me trying to punch people in the face to say, “wake up.” Rather, it’s me saying, “we’re all like this guy, it’s tough, so let’s keep walking forward together.” Residency Artist, Adam Lazarus,...
March 16, 2026
“Performing esu in 2026 is a ritual in listening to my artistic responsibility and accountability“ Across the street from The Theatre Centre in Watah Studio Theatre (32 Lisgar Street), Watah Theatre‘s esu crossing the middle passage has just concluded a run. Our marketing and communications Intern, Eleanor Yuneun Park, watched and interviewed dr. d’bi.young anitafrika about...
November 25, 2025
From Artistic Director Aislinn Rose “We, and the artists and community who have found a home at 1115 Queen Street West, shall be forever grateful. Thank you Lindy.” Lindy Cowan and Chris Hatley being celebrated at the naming event for The Theatre Centre’s Franco Boni Theatre in 2016, and the closing of our capital campaign. I...